CEO, Fortis Energy Services, Bloomfield Hills
Revenue: $15 million // Employees: 100
As CEO of Fortis Energy Services, a Bloomfield Hills-based oil and gas service company with operations in Michigan, Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, West Virginia, and Maryland, Nathan Conway’s primary focus is on strategic acquisitions and organic growth. Prior to taking on this position, he was COO of Ward Williston Oil Co., which experienced double-digit revenue growth and led the highly successful divestiture of its two divisions. A third-generation oilman, Conway grew up in the North Dakota oilfields and earned an accounting degree from Minot State University in North Dakota, followed by an MBA at the University of Michigan. He is passionate about the subject of responsible oil and gas exploration. “That means balancing the needs of energy, health, safety, and the environment,” Conway says. “In 2012, the Michigan oil and gas industry paid $100 million in state royalties, fees, and tax revenue. Over the past decades, our industry has contributed $1.3 billion to our state lands, parks, and outdoor recreation.” Can the U.S. attain energy independence? “Absolutely,” Conway insists. “It can happen in the next 10 years to 15 years. America will become a net exporter of natural gas, with Michigan playing an important role. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the U.S. is expected to import 30 percent of its oil in 2014, will be able to supply all its own energy needs by 2030, and will become the world’s largest oil producer in less than a decade.” — Gary Witzenburg
